JP2013187115A - Air cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem of a conventional air cell that the electrolyte expands due to heating or production of an oxide, and especially when reducing the thickness, cross-sectional area of an air passage decreases.SOLUTION: An air cell A1 comprises: a positive electrode layer 1; a negative electrode layer 2, with an electrolyte layer 3 interposed therebetween; and a protrusion 5 forming an air passage F between an adjoining air cell A1 when laminating a plurality of air cells A1, on at least one of the positive electrode layer 1 side and negative electrode layer 2 side. Consequently, a sufficient cross-sectional area of the air passage F is secured for the positive electrode layer 1 especially during lamination, and the air cell contributes to thinning suitable for on-vehicle use.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air battery that uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material, and more particularly to an air battery suitable for connecting a plurality of air batteries to form an assembled battery.

  As a conventional air battery, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. The air battery described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a nonaqueous electrolyte layer is sandwiched between a positive electrode and a negative electrode to form an electrode group, and this battery group is housed in a housing case together with the positive electrode and negative electrode terminals. Both terminals protrude from the housing case in opposite directions. In addition, the air battery has a plurality of air holes on the positive wall of the housing case, closes these air holes with a seal tape, and when used, opens the air holes by peeling off the seal tape, Air (oxygen) is supplied to the positive electrode.

Japanese Patent No. 3735518

  By the way, in recent years, research and development of an air battery used as a power source or auxiliary power source of a vehicle such as an automobile has been advanced. An in-vehicle air battery can be configured to be simple and thin, and a plurality of batteries can be connected in series in consideration of the output and capacity required for vehicles, mountability in a narrow space, and the like. It needs to be a thing. However, since the conventional air batteries as described above cannot be directly connected to each other, it is practically impossible to apply to a vehicle-mounted power source.

  In addition, in this type of air battery, the positive electrode layer is formed of a thin air-permeable material, so that the mechanical strength of the positive electrode layer is lower than that of a metal negative electrode layer, and heat generation and oxide The electrolyte may expand with the generation, and the positive electrode layer may bend outward. For this reason, particularly in an air battery to be thinned, there is a problem in that the cross-sectional area of the air flow path is reduced and the output may be reduced, and it is a problem to solve such a problem. It was.

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-described conventional problems. In particular, a thin air battery suitable for use in a vehicle can be obtained because the cross-sectional area of the air flow path with respect to the positive electrode layer can be sufficiently secured during lamination. It is intended to provide.

  The air battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer with an electrolyte layer interposed therebetween. The air battery is provided with a convex portion that forms an air flow path between adjacent air batteries when a plurality of air batteries are stacked on at least one side of the positive electrode layer side and the negative electrode layer side. Thus, the above configuration is used as a means for solving the conventional problems. In the case of the above configuration, it is more desirable that the convex portions are provided at least at two or more locations between the air cells in consideration of securing the air flow path and stability at the time of stacking, and considering the power generation efficiency. Then, it is more desirable to arrange the positive electrode layer so as to avoid the surface.

  According to the air battery of the present invention, since the above-described configuration is adopted, a sufficient cross-sectional area of the air flow path with respect to the positive electrode layer can be ensured particularly during lamination. Thereby, while being able to prevent the output fall by the reduction | decrease of a cross-sectional area, it can contribute to thickness reduction suitable for vehicle-mounted use.

It is the top view (A) and side view (B) explaining one Embodiment of the air battery of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the air battery shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing demonstrated in the state which decomposed | disassembled the air battery shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining the assembled battery which laminated | stacked the air battery shown in FIG. It is a side view explaining other embodiment of the air battery of this invention. It is a side view explaining other embodiment of the air battery of this invention. It is a side view explaining the assembled battery which laminated | stacked the air battery shown in FIG. It is each side view (A)-(E) which shows the other example of a flow-path formation member. It is the top view (A) and side view (B) explaining other embodiment of the air battery of this invention. It is the top view (A) and side view (B) explaining other embodiment of the air battery of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an air battery of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
An air battery A1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a rectangular plate shape, and includes a positive electrode layer 1 and a negative electrode layer 2 with an electrolyte layer 3 interposed therebetween. The air battery A1 has, as a basic configuration, an air flow path F between the adjacent air batteries A1 when a plurality of air batteries A1 are stacked on at least one side of the picture positive electrode layer 1 side and the negative electrode layer 2 side. The convex part 5 which forms is provided.

  The air battery A1 in the illustrated example includes a convex portion 5 on the positive electrode layer 1 side. In addition, the air battery A1 includes an outer frame member 4 that has electrical insulation and surrounds the outer periphery of the positive electrode layer 1 and the negative electrode layer 2, and the outer frame member 4 is provided with the convex portion 5. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the positive electrode layer 1 includes a catalyst layer 11 including a gas diffusion layer, a water repellent layer 12 disposed on the positive electrode surface (battery upper surface in the figure), and a positive electrode current collecting layer 13 made of a metal mesh or the like. It has. The catalyst layer 11 is formed of a conductive porous material. For example, a catalyst such as manganese dioxide is supported inside a conductive porous body formed of a carbon material and a binder resin.

  The water repellent layer 12 is a member having liquid tightness with respect to the electrolytic solution and air permeability with respect to oxygen. The water repellent layer 12 uses a water repellent film such as a fluororesin so as to prevent the electrolyte from leaking to the outside. On the other hand, a large number of fine water repellent layers 12 can supply oxygen to the catalyst layer 11. It has a hole. In addition, a conductive material can be used for the water repellent layer 12, thereby enabling direct electrical connection in the assembled battery C without using wirings.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the negative electrode layer 2 includes a negative electrode metal layer 21 and a negative electrode current collecting layer 22 disposed on the negative electrode surface (battery lower surface in the drawing). The negative electrode metal layer 21 is made of a pure metal such as lithium (Li), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg), or a material such as an alloy.

  The negative electrode current collecting layer 22 is a conductive member made of a material that can prevent the electrolyte from leaking to the outside. For example, stainless steel, copper (alloy), or a metal material having a corrosion resistance is plated on the surface Etc. More preferably, the negative electrode current collecting layer 22 is made of a material having higher electrolytic solution resistance than the negative electrode metal layer 21.

  The electrolyte layer 3 is obtained by impregnating a separator with an aqueous solution (electrolytic solution) or non-aqueous solution containing potassium hydroxide (KOH) or chloride as a main component, and in order to store the aqueous solution or non-aqueous solution, the separator Have fine holes formed at a predetermined ratio. The electrolyte layer 3 itself may be a solid or gel electrolyte.

  The outer frame member 4 preferably has a rectangular frame shape and is preferably made of a resin having an electrolytic solution resistance such as polypropylene (PP) or engineering plastic, which can also reduce the weight. The outer frame member 4 can also be made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) in which a resin is compounded with reinforcing fibers such as carbon fibers and glass fibers in order to give mechanical strength.

  Furthermore, when the outer frame member 4 is made of resin as described above, the convex portion 5 can be integrally formed by, for example, injection molding. Further, when the outer frame member 4 has a rectangular frame shape as described above, the outer frame member 4 is provided with convex portions 5 on at least two opposite sides, and in this embodiment, the length is provided on two opposite short sides. Protrusions 5 and 5 extending in the direction are provided. As a result, when a plurality of air batteries A1 are stacked to form a battery pack C as shown in FIG. 4, a gap is formed on the surface side of the positive electrode layer 1 to form an air flow path F. In FIG. The air is circulated in the in-plane direction (direction along the surface) indicated by the arrow. Therefore, the convex portion 5 is provided along the air flow direction with respect to the positive electrode layer.

  The outer frame member 4 may be provided with an electrolyte solution injection portion including valves for the electrolyte layer 3. Thereby, air battery A1 turns into a pouring type battery.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the air battery A <b> 1 having the above configuration forms a battery pack C by stacking a plurality of air batteries. At this time, the air battery A <b> 1 forms an air flow path F with respect to the positive electrode layer 1 between the air battery A <b> 1 adjacent to the upper stage by the convex portion 5.

  In the air battery A1 and the assembled battery C, the electrolyte solution of the electrolyte layer 3 expands with the generation of heat and oxide after the start of use, and the positive electrode layer 1 may be bent outward. 5 can secure a sufficient cross-sectional area of the air flow path F. As a result, the air battery A1 can prevent a decrease in output due to a decrease in cross-sectional area, and can contribute to a reduction in thickness suitable for in-vehicle use. In addition, the air battery A1 has a very simple structure, which realizes a reduction in thickness and can be directly connected in series without using any wiring. Therefore, it is very suitable for in-vehicle use.

  Further, the air battery A1 includes the outer frame member 4 and the convex portion 5 provided on the outer frame member 4, thereby reducing the area of the reaction area formed by the positive electrode layer 1 and the negative electrode layer 2. The air flow path F can be ensured.

  Further, since the air battery A1 has the convex portion 5 formed integrally with the outer frame member 4, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and eliminate a seam that causes a decrease in sealing performance, and to improve productivity. It will be excellent.

  Further, since the air cell A1 is provided with the convex portion 5 along the air flow direction with respect to the positive electrode layer 1, there is no fear of increasing the air flow pressure loss, and the air flow path F can be maintained by maintaining the low pressure loss. Can be kept small, and further thinning can be achieved.

  Further, the air cell A1 has the rectangular frame-shaped outer frame member 4 provided with the projections 5 and 5 on at least two opposite sides, so that the directional air flow path F can be formed and laminated. It is possible to ensure stability when

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the convex portion 5 is provided on the positive electrode layer 1 side of the outer frame member 4 is exemplified, but the convex portion can be provided in other locations, and the negative electrode layer 2 side and both positive electrode sides can be provided. It is also possible to provide it. At this time, in consideration of power generation efficiency and the like, it is more desirable to dispose the surface of the positive electrode layer 1, and in consideration of securing the air flow path F and stability at the time of stacking, between the air cells A <b> 1. It is more desirable to provide at least two places.

  The air battery A1 shown in FIG. 5 is provided with convex portions 5 and 5 along the two short sides of the outer frame member 4 on the positive electrode layer 1 side, and also at the intermediate portion between the two long sides. Is provided. Even in this air battery A1, the same effects as those of the previous embodiment can be obtained, and particularly when the area is increased, bending is prevented and stability at the time of stacking is improved. A sufficient cross-sectional area of the flow path F can be secured.

  The air battery A1 shown in FIG. 6 has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction in which at least one of the positive electrode layer 1 and the negative electrode layer 2 is interposed between adjacent air batteries A1 when a plurality of air batteries A1 are stacked. The flow path forming member 6 having In the air battery A <b> 1 of this embodiment, the flow path forming member 6 is provided in the positive electrode layer 1. The flow path forming member 6 is made of metal or resin, has a cross-sectional wave shape, and has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction corresponding to the expansion of the electrolyte layer 3.

  Further, in the air battery A1, the convex portion 5 has a protruding height smaller than the thickness of the flow path forming member 6, and in the natural state, the flow path forming member 6 has the convex portion 5 as shown in FIG. The difference is higher by S. In this embodiment, the air flow path F is a trough on the lower side of the flow path forming member 6 having a wave shape.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the air battery A1 is formed by stacking a plurality of batteries to form the assembled battery C, and as in the previous embodiment, the convex portion 5 ensures a sufficient cross-sectional area of the air flow path F. be able to. In the air battery A1, the flow path forming member 6 is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction at the time of stacking, and the flow path even if the electrolyte solution of the electrolyte layer 3 expands due to heat generation or oxide generation. The forming member 6 holds the positive electrode layer 1 flat to level the displacement amount of the electrolyte layer 3 and maintains the air flow path F.

  FIG. 8 is a view for explaining still another embodiment of the flow path forming member that can be used in the air battery according to the present invention.

  A flow path forming member 16 shown in FIG. 8A is formed by forming a linear material into a nonwoven fabric and has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction. A flow path forming member 26 shown in FIG. 8B corresponds to a hook-side member of a hook-and-loop fastener, and includes a large number of elastic hooks 26B on a sheet 26A and has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction. doing. The flow path forming member 26 brings the elastic hook 26 </ b> B into contact with the positive electrode layer 1. In addition, it can also be set as the structure corresponding to the loop side member of a hook_and_loop | surface fastener.

  A flow path forming member 36 shown in FIG. 8C includes a cantilever-shaped elastic protrusion 36B on a sheet 36A, and has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction. The flow path forming member 36 brings the elastic protrusion 36 </ b> B into contact with the positive electrode layer 1. Further, the elastic protrusions 36B can be formed in a tongue-like shape and arranged vertically or horizontally, or in the form of a long piece having a continuous cross section as shown in the figure.

  The flow path forming member 46 shown in FIG. 8 (D) has a cross-sectional wave shape, has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction, and has a large number of holes. A flow path forming member 56 shown in FIG. 8E is formed by forming a mesh material into a cross-sectional wave shape, and has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction.

  The flow path forming member can have various shapes as shown in FIGS. 8 (A) to (E) 7. In any case, a predetermined cross-sectional area of the air flow path F is ensured, and the air cell A 1. Prevent output drop. The flow path forming member can be formed of a conductive metal or a resin coated with a conductive metal. In this case, the flow path forming member also functions as a connector for electrically connecting the air cells A1 to each other, and as the electrolyte layer 3 expands, the positive electrode layer 1 is held flat and the displacement amount of the electrolyte layer 3 is leveled. To maintain the air flow path F and at the same time increase the surface pressure between components. Thereby, the flow path forming member can offset the increase in internal resistance due to oxide generation by reducing the contact resistance, and contributes to stable power generation (discharge) of the air battery A1.

  Further, since the flow path forming members 16 and 46 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7D have air permeability, a larger cross-sectional area of the air flow path F can be obtained, and high output can be achieved. It can contribute and realize further weight reduction. Even in the flow path forming members 26 and 36 shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, air permeability can be provided by forming a large number of holes in the sheets 26A and 36A.

  The air battery A1 shown in FIG. 9 has two reaction areas composed of a positive electrode layer 1 and a negative electrode layer 2 arranged in parallel. In this case, the outer frame member 4 has a central crosspiece 4A that divides both reaction areas in parallel with the short side. And the outer frame member 4 is provided with the convex part 5 which forms the air flow path F between air cells A1 adjacent when the several air battery A1 is laminated | stacked on the short side of both sides, and the center crosspiece part 4A. ing.

  Air battery A2 shown in FIG. 10 has a disk shape. In this case, the outer frame member 14 is also ring-shaped, and in the case of the illustrated example, the outer frame member 14 includes four convex portions 15 at intervals of 90 degrees on the positive electrode layer 1 side.

  Even in the air batteries A1 and A2 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the assembled battery C is formed by stacking a plurality of pieces, and the structure is simple as in the previous embodiment. A sufficient cross-sectional area of the flow path F can be secured. Thereby, air battery A1, A2 can contribute to the thickness reduction suitable for vehicle-mounted use while being able to prevent the output fall by reduction of a cross-sectional area.

  The configuration of the air battery and the assembled battery according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and details of the configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

A1 A2 Air battery C Assembly battery F Air flow path 1 Positive electrode layer 2 Negative electrode layer 3 Electrolyte layer 4 14 Outer frame member 5 15 Protrusion part 6 Flow path formation member 16, 26, 36, 46, 56 ... Flow path formation member

Claims (7)

While having a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer with an electrolyte layer in between,
An air battery comprising a convex portion forming an air flow path between adjacent air cells when a plurality of air batteries are stacked on at least one side of a positive electrode layer side and a negative electrode layer side. An outer frame member having electrical insulation and surrounding the outer periphery of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer;
The air battery according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is provided on an outer frame member.   The air battery according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is integrally formed with the outer frame member.   The air battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the convex portion is provided along a flow direction of air with respect to the positive electrode layer. The outer frame member has a rectangular frame shape,
The air battery according to claim 4, wherein the convex portions are provided on at least two opposite sides of the outer frame member. At least one of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer is provided with a flow path forming member that is interposed between adjacent air cells when a plurality of air cells are stacked and has an elastic deformation function in the thickness direction,
The air battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex portion has a protrusion height smaller than a thickness of the flow path forming member.   A battery pack comprising a plurality of the air batteries according to any one of claims 1 to 6 stacked together.

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